The personal statement is often the part of the college application students dread most — and the part where they're most likely to procrastinate. This fall, ACT's American College Application Campaign (ACAC) is teaming up with College Essay Guy to change that, with a free live webinar built specifically for the Class of 2028.
What Is the Personal Statement Boot Camp?
The Personal Statement Boot Camp is a free, live workshop designed to help juniors take the intimidation out of the essay-writing process and start building real momentum — before senior year deadlines start piling up.
Led by College Essay Guy founder Ethan Sawyer, author of the bestselling College Essay Essentials and College Admission Essentials, students will learn how to:
- Understand what admissions officers are actually looking for in a personal statement
- Identify essay topics and stories that feel authentic and meaningful
- Start brainstorming and outlining their essay with confidence
Ethan has spent more than two decades immersed in college admissions, and each year his team supports over a million students and counselors through the CEG blog, courses, workshops, and one-on-one guidance. If your students (or you) have ever used a College Essay Guy brainstorming template, this is the person behind it.
This Session Isn't Just for Students
Counselors and parents are encouraged to join alongside their students. You'll walk away with:
- Practical strategies for supporting essay writing inside your own building
- New tools for your college navigation toolbox
- A clearer sense of what colleges want to see in a personal statement — so you can coach with confidence all year
Event Details
📅 Date: October 15, 2026 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM CT 💻 Format: Free, live, online 🎯 Audience: High school juniors (Class of 2028) and their counselors
A Bonus Incentive for Students
Students who attend live and stay through the end of the session will be eligible to win one of 50 digital copies of The Official ACT Prep Guide 2026–2027 (a $40 value), given away during the webinar. No purchase or ACT registration is required to enter — just attendance.
Why It's Worth Sharing With Your Students Now
Getting a head start on the personal statement in the fall of junior-to-senior transition can make a real difference come application season. Encourage your students to register today, and consider blocking off the time yourself — you may pick up a few new strategies of your own.
Sign up here, and feel free to share this post with fellow counselors and your junior class.
